Salvation Army Leader To Present at UN Commission On the Status of Women

Thousands of women will gather in New York City this weekend for the 2013 Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, a yearly meeting for nations to report their latest findings, and for organizations to develop policies and actions. The focus of this year’s meeting is on violence against women, sex trafficking and domestic slavery.

Among those presenting will be Dr. Linda Burkle, Divisional Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army in Omaha, NE, presenting on “Violence Against Women and the Church’s Response: A Salvation Army Perspective.”

As a social worker and licensed mental health practitioner with a doctorate in international relations, Dr. Burkle has been heavily involved with The Salvation Army’s anti-human trafficking program, and has shared her skills and compassion through extensive mission and humanitarian work in more than 20 countries on six continents.

“The goal of the panel is to demonstrate how The Salvation Army is involved in preventing violence against women and helping those who have been victims,” said Burkle.

The Salvation Army provides for women in need through anti-human trafficking programs, shelters for domestic abuse victims, counseling, training, material and financial support for mothers and children, and 24/7 emergency hotlines, among other services.

“I have always wanted to help people so social work was a natural fit,” said Burkle. “It started when I responded to a newspaper ad for the Director of the former [Salvation Army] Booth Maternity Home in the 1980’s, and I’ve been with the Army ever since.”

Among the many social service programs Burkle oversees, is Wellspring, a Salvation Army center in Omaha that offers refuge and resources for women who seek to escape or have survived the abuse of prostitution.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent The Salvation Army as a delegate and panel presenter. This is truly a special, ‘out of the blue’ gift from the Lord,” said Burkle. “I pray that I will shine God’s light and demonstrate the love of Christ.”